NCJ Number
120243
Date Published
1989
Length
249 pages
Annotation
This manual identifies various legal problems Pennsylvania police encounter in their work and provides legal guidelines for resolving the problems.
Abstract
Under the manual's format, legal questions are posed as they arise in various circumstances encountered by police. The solution for each problem is provided, based on Federal and Pennsylvania appellate court decisions relevant to the issue. In some instances, the solution relies on appellate court decisions of State courts outside Pennsylvania. This format is based in the author's belief that officers can act more effectively and with greater confidence when they are aware of one or more court decisions that specifically authorize certain actions. The areas under which legal problems and solutions are posed include arrest, interrogation, search and seizure, probable cause, underage drinking and drunk driving, an auto search, the use of force, stop and frisk, lineups and photograph identification, and search warrants. One appendix examines legal entry into a home or office to search for evidence and/or to search for persons to arrest without a search or arrest warrant. Another appendix considers procedures for interrogation without giving Miranda warnings. An appendix also discusses legal issues in the search of a vehicle without a search warrant. Subject index.